South African fast bowler, Dale Steyn has been named as the leading cricketer for the year 2013 by the Wisden Almanac. Often known as the 'bible of cricket', it is considered as a honour to be recognised by the Cricket Almanac.

Wisden Almanc's editor, Lawrence Booth wrote in his citation: "South African fast bowler Dale Steyn is Wisden's Leading Cricketer in the World for 2013, a year in which he took 51 Test wickets in only nine games at an average of 17. Steyn was scarcely less lethal in one-day internationals, claiming 27 at under 16.

"Most remarkable, perhaps, for a man of his pace, was his meanness: an economy- rate of 3.65 was comfortably the lowest among bowlers to have sent down 100 one- day international overs in 2013. Fast, penetrative and parsimonious it was some combination.

"He shows no signs of slowing down or losing his enthusiasm. 'I enjoy taking wickets more than most people can understand,' he says. 'I'm addicted to that feeling. I live in the moment, but I hope there are many more years of it to come," Booth wrote.Steyn becomes the second South African cricketer to be selected as the leading cricketer for the year after Jacques Kallis, who achieved the honour in 2007.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) was understandably delighted with the recognition for Steyn. "This is a singular and great honour for Dale, who has deservedly won just about every accolade available to him in the sport of cricket.

"The whole of South Africa can be proud of what he has achieved today as Wisden's leading cricketer and the humility he shows is perfect for the world's youth.

"Other than for a brief period earlier this year when he was overtaken by his colleague, Vernon Philander, he has been the world's leading Test match bowler for the past five years and has been an obvious choice in the ICC select Test XI", Haroon Lorgat, CSA CEO said in a statement. Speaking about Steyn's versatility, Lorgat cited the last over of the T20 Cup match against New Zealand as an example. "His selection in the two limited overs formats for the Proteas has been constrained by his large work load, but he showed during the recent ICC World Twenty20 that he is invaluable to the Proteas in these formats as well.

"His epic last over against New Zealand was the making of legends.

"Wisden has become known as the 'Cricketer's Bible' and with good reason. It has certainly stood the test of time in the world of cricket.

"The fact that Jacques Kallis is the only other South African to have received this prestigious recognition speaks volumes for Dale Steyn's international standing.

"This is indeed an achievement for all South Africans to celebrate," Lorgat concluded.